Mike Jenkins
June 3, 1939 ~ October 16, 2022
Homer Keasler ‘Mike’ Jenkins was born June 3, 1939 in Cass County, Texas to Vance Keasler and Ermentru Pratt Jenkins. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 16, 2022 in his home surrounded by family.
Mike graduated from Hughes Springs High School in 1957. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics from Texas Tech University in 1962 and a master’s degree in Finance from Southern Methodist University in 1979.
In 1961, he entered the United States Marine Corp Officer Training Program. He completed Officer Training in 1962 and was assigned to the Fleet Marine Force as a 2nd Lieutenant Infantry Platoon commander. In 1964, he was assigned to Vietnam as an advisor to the Vietnamese Marines for a tour of duty before America started offensive operations. He returned to home base in 1965 and was reassigned as “Hotel” Company Commander 2nd Battalion 4th Marines where he returned to Vietnam for a 13-month tour.
He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp in 1966 having earned the following ribbons: Silver Star, United States Marine Corp Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expedition Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After returning home, Mike joined the First National Bank of Hughes Springs in 1975, where he served as President for 10 years. In 1985, he joined Great American Foods Corporation and served as the President for 15 years before retiring in 2000. In his ‘retirement’, he worked the family farm and ranch full time, continued to honor his country through the American Legion and Honor Guard, and enjoyed and served the community where his family has lived for several generations.
Along with other duties over the years, he was a member of and held numerous positions with the Lions club, the Cass County Cattlemen Association, Cass County Appraisal District, Masonic Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, United Fund, American Legion and Honor Guard, and other civic organizations.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Vance and Ermentru Jenkins and his son-in-law, John L. Willis.
He is survived by his wife, Kaye Faulkner Jenkins; daughter, Sandra Willis of Hughes Springs; son and daughter-in-law, John Keasler & Llaura Jenkins of Longview; step-son and daughter-in-law, Clark & Krystyl Turner of Hughes Springs; grandchildren, Nicole Willis, John K. Willis, Luke Keasler Jenkins, Mark Jenkins, Matthew Jenkins, Clark T. Turner, Coleman Turner, and Caleb Turner; brother and sister-in-law, Jan & Sandra Jenkins of Gilmer, TX; sister, Sara Brooks Woodland of Hideaway, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Legion Post #351, P.O. Box 671, Hughes Springs, TX 75656 or the First United Methodist Church, 301 Taylor St. #818, Hughes Springs, TX 75656.
Funeral services for Homer Keasler “Mike” Jenkins will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Hughes Springs. Burial will follow at Hughes Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the First United Methodist Church in Hughes Springs.
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I'll always remember meeting you… I started at Trico and you were a grumpy old man… whom I had to make smile…and I did…when I asked if I could bring my son to pick corn in your corn fields.. your face glowed and said how awful the crop was that year but I was welcome to all he wanted… and that lil boy still talks of that day. Will miss you mr Jenkins ??
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mike was a true hero.
My condolences to the family , Mike was one of the best people I have ever known.
Mike was in my American Legion Post 351 in Hughes Springs! He was always very knowledgeable about things! RIP Mike!
RIP Mike, it has been great to have been your friend, hope we meet again in Heaven.
The world has lost a great man. God called an angel home. Mr. Mikey was a huge part of my childhood, I will miss him.
Prayers for the family in this time. God will see you through.
I have had the lifelong privilege of growing up & living in the community with the Jenkins family. It was a time when people had great respect for each other, and when neighbors helped neighbors ‘just because’. I will miss seeing Mike go past our home place, always busy, making life better. His life has made our neighborhood, community and our world a much better place to live, as well as a great model for others to live by. Like so many others, I will never forget this exceptionally uncommon ‘common man’ who walked among us with love & respect. My sympathy & prayers for each of his family members.
Im so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. Prayers go out to family and friends.
So sorry for the loss of Mike. He was a very special man whom everyone respected & admired. My prayers are with you during this time. God bless your family.
A true mentor to all. His wisdom will be missed. May God Bless You Mr. Mikey and your soul rest in peace.
Sincere sympathy to all of Mikey’s family. We knew and admired Mikey for many years. He was truly a Hughes Springs hero ‘- our community has lost an outstanding citizen.
Homer and I played basketball, football and teamed up for tennis doubles in high school. We both were on active duty at much the same time and shared some military stuff at that time. I judge his military service as his most important contribution.
Condolences to all his family and friends.
Michael Grant
Around 5 years ago was the first time I ever met or heard about you. It was such an honor to work for you building your shop and the friendship that followed after the job was complete. RIP MR. Mike , You will be missed
So sorry to hear of the passing of my cousin, Mikey Jenkins. I remember so many wonderful times at their Ranch in Hughes Springs. Those times are still some of my fondest memories of childhood. My brother Randy, my wife Patsy and I send our deepest prayers and condolences to the family.
Charlie Pratt
Kaye, I am so very sorry to hear about Mike. I know yall have had a wonderful life together. This recent journey has been difficult.
I pray for your strength and courage while you find your peace during your loss.
Take care and know I am think of you.
Hope to see you soon??
Mike was a much respected Man. He was always fair in his dealings and you only needed a handshake to seal a deal. A Texas kind of man you had to admire. You will be missed. RIP
Expressing prayers for Mike's family and gratitude for having had the opportunity to know firsthand Mike's kindness, wisdom, and humor.
Kaye, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family will always be in my heart.
I will forever be grateful to Mike for giving me a loan for college tutition when no one else would, I had many loans after that, He was one of the most wonderful men I knew, gave me advice on some purchases and tried to lead me in a direction in my best interest, What a loss for the community, he is loved by many.
An honorable servant leadership of God, his country, and mankind.
Rest in peace, Mike, your work is done.
I grew up knowing of Mikey and family just down the road. Since I moved back after retiring I've had the privilege of getting to know Mike better as a good neighbor, good man, and good friend who will be greatly missed. RIP good sir…
Mike!! You where always a dear and trusted friend. From my grandmother Nellie Hines,to my mom and dad. I can remember pouring you coffee at the city Cafe more time than I can imagine. And at the Wildflower as well. You always had a smile and a kind word to everyone you seen. I am a better person for knowing you. God picked a grate rose when he got you. God bless the family. Cause he is a grate loss.
Wanda Watkins Smith.
My sincerest condolences to the family. Mike was a very nice man. I often told Kaye that he reminded me of my daddy, all the interesting stories she would tell me about Mike and his farming. We laughed a many days at work about some of the things and bright ideas that Mike came up with. RIP Mike
I was very sad to here of Mikey”s passing.
We went to school together and graduated in 1957 he was a dear friend. my prayers are with his family.